Reaching Par

Yesterday  I played a full round of 18 keeping my own score for the first time in a very very long time.  I counted every shot – lost balls, water hazards, duffs, everything.  And, it was… interesting to say the least.  But, now I finally have a benchmark score to measure my improvement, and it wasn’t all bad.  Perhaps the best part – it was free.  I finagled my way into a free round with a buddy who had won a free foursome in a tournament.    I even managed to get back home around the same time I would have from work – bonus!

Positives:
- I started with a string of 3 pars.  My first shot of the day was a drive that split the fairway about 290.
- I drove the ball fairly well, not exceptionally long ( nothing over 300). But for one or two exceptions I poked it out there pretty good
- I had one chip in (for bogey…D’oh). Planted a pitch within a foot for birdie. I made some pretty decent putts.

Negatives:
- I was inconsistent in general.  Fat, thin, duffs and I generally missed the ball quite a bit.  So iron play was pretty bad.
- 100 yards in was pathetic.  Again, fat, thin, poor distance control.

So much to work on to cut a full 20 strokes out of the round, but there were some glimmers of hope considering I haven’t played a full round in so long.  I could tell a difference from my practice on the net – so that’s a good sign, but man is there a long way to go.

Swing Progress:

I saw some very encouraging signs for sure.  My typical shot pattern was to miss straight right with a block or a push.  That didn’t happen this time around, and I didn’t miss very much to the right.  However, I did get that little duck hook that every one talks about being the propensity for this new swing.  I think it is grip related as I still struggle with my wrist position and cocking the wrists etc.   I am looking forward to some literature that is due out in the fall from DJ Watts and the MCS. In the meantime I need some more time on the mat and the range for sure.